So,

I've never had this problem before at the Osceola Campus of Valencia College. But, this semester I'm over at the West Campus. As most of you know I'm disabled and with my heart problem walking long distances with text books is hard on me. I have a state issued permanent disabled license plate on Flick.

I went in to security to get my parking permit and was told I was not allowed to park in handicapped that I had to park in MC parking which is a good distance from my class. After, a couple of hours the consented to let me park next to one building. But, if I needed to go to the library, cafeteria, or main office I would not be allowed to park in disabled parking. Also, if more disabled cars started parking in that area I would lose that privilege as well because cars had the priority. When I asked how could that even be fair I was told if I wanted to park in handicapped I should drive my car in!

I'm not sure what my recourse is! Any help would be appreciated.
mary

Wow - I must say that is quite a predicament.

They must be thinking: "It's not fair to let someone who is obviously capable of riding a motorcycle park in a handicapped spot when someone with a real disability might need it."

Now, that's not really fair in my opinion because you could be like Dr. House and need a cane to walk at all, yet he still rides a motorcycle. Granted, that's a fictitious situation but I've known people like that.

I would go to the main office, or whatever it is that they have, and ask to speak to someone about it.

What's the consequence if you do park where you're not allowed? If the police are called in, I doubt they would issue any kind of citation (could very well be wrong though). If it's campus security, then I would talk to somebody higher up than whomever told you that.

What did they say when you mentioned you are handicapped regardless of your transportation?

Anyone you can go to for some free legal advice? Definitely sounds like a violation of just about any discrimination laws I have heard of.

handicap plate = handicap parking space.
Isn't that Federal Law?
What kind of ticket could they give you for parking in a handicap place with handicap plates?
The law does not state what type of vehicles can park in a handicap designated parking space.

I saw a story about a guy who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident. Now rides his bike (modified) with only one leg. Hard to say he's not disabled!

There is some law companies here in Australia, I don't know if they're in the States but they have a "no win no fee" policy and they don't charge you for the first consultation.

I wouldn't have even hesitated to park in the handicapped spot. I would've pulled in the spot, waved to the security guard as I pointed to my plate, and walked in the building. The amount of shaZam! that would have ensued if they had towed my vehicle with a handicapped plate out of a handicapped parking spot would have been astounding! I'm not sue-happy, but I feel like the that would've been a situation worthy of calling a news company, and then calling the police, and letting the security guard explain on camera why he feels his 1 hour security guard orientation makes him better qualified to diagnose a disability than a doctor with 8 years of med school under his belt.

I believe that is a violation of the ADA act and you could sue them for discrimination. Don't let them get away with that crap. Run it up their chain of command until you run into someone that has a clue. You shouldn't have to go up more than two levels.   Discrimination, ADA act, and law suit are your buzz words.    

Is there a school newspaper?  See if they'll do a story or submit an editorial piece.  Bad publicity tends to elicit quick corrective action

-Jessie

Sounds like what we would call "A Jobsworth" of a security bloke. Clearly it's a stupid interpretation of what he or she sees as the rules.

I work for a  state university as a Graduate Student. Always communicate with university staff, campus police, public safety and, administration by email. Email is official. It's over-the-table. It gets things done. The inbox and outbox prove that communication was sent and received.

If you call them, or go to them in person, they can play dumb later and say "I can't recall him ever saying that."

Also, use your university email when trying to get things done. Be polite. Don't be snarky. Say please and thank you. Don't say that you're going to sue. Thank them for your time. Always follow up.

Well, this answer came from the security supervisor of Valencia. I spoke with UCF ( I'm a UCF student taking regional classes) SDS and they said they had nothing to do with it not their campus and they referred me to Valencia's and they said they couldn't help since I'm not a Valencia student  . I had sent an e-mail but it went unanswered.

As far as the ticket they can fine you. If you don't pay the fine you get holds on your record which means you can't register, get your final grades or get official transcripts.

I dunno I feel like krap today and the fact that I have to fight for everything even a stupid parking spot! Shouldn't stage 3 heart failure be enough?

Mary

Quote from: Toogoofy317 on January 27, 2012, 09:57:09 AM
.......they referred me to Valencia's and they said they couldn't help since I'm not a Valencia student  . I had sent an e-mail but it went unanswered.

So their best answer is "we only promise not to discriminate against our own students"??

They could also have your bike towed...that wouldn't be fun.

It is discrimination and I would see if someone of legal background could help.

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/UCF

That's pretty messed up, go n get hard copy, current affair, 60 minutes. Shows like that to knock on some doors and see what happens.

You have a Handicapped tag-and a parking permit- Park in the handicapped spot.  What are they going to sit there and wait for someone else that wants the spot to pull up...then call a tow company to move your bike so they can have the spot.

You're legit- call the local news and papers if they give you any hassle....

Did you specifically ask about this or just go in for your  permit and they saw your  helmet and volunteered this info to you?

This sounds illegal and downright discriminatory.  Mary, you have have a vehicle that has a valid tag!  Like Brian said, try to get this in writing as proof and then take it to the next step. 

I want to see this play out BIG TIME and on national media.

Park there! Have surveillance cameras going. Record what happens. Politely confront them when they ticket or attempt to tow you. Be sure others are there with cameras in t heir face.

I will personally pay your ticket and towing to be sure you can make your case.

Go get 'em girl. Stand up for your rights!

In my experience when involved in any sort of dispute the best approach is to firstly ask in a nice way. Write to the principal who will not want to be involved with a parking issue but will see a rising spectre of discrimination, human rights violation etc etc. I think that should do the trick. If things escalate later you will be able to show that you acted reasonably.

If not as others have said the media is all powerful also the law. English common law which forms the basis of US law is simply built on the premis

"Are these the actions of a reasonable person?"

Clearly this situation is not reasonable and has to be overturned, I would hope that someone with a broader mind and a little more authority than a security guard would be able to see that there is no profit, only loss for them in fighting you and roll over. If not the first letter from a smartass lawyer will do it but I doubt it would come to that.